Friday, December 23, 2016

Harry Porter Graduation Tower. NOT! It’s the Wieliczka Salt Mine Graduation Tower




Looks pretty mighty and weird at the same time eh!
We found it by chance, not knowing what it is.

Mind my ignorance when writing this as I will share my experience.


It started with both Anna and I wanted to cover the famous UNESCO site Wieliczka Salt Mine, after looking at the entrance price, I decided to be kiam siap (stingy) for whatever stupid reason. Occasionally I do this during trips despite I told myself not to, after spending a bomb on a trip, I should just close my eyes and pay for the entrance fee (of which I now regretted not visiting [padan muka Lily!]). So we decided, to do a self-discovery trip Wieliczka town, rather quaint seriously.


#TravelTips 1 : I would highly recommend for you guys to do an overnight trip here here, the country site is awesome and calm to look at. And do check activities you can do at the meadows, farms or country site.



We departed during the midday and arrive just before noon I think, or perhaps at noon. Upon checking out the Wieliczka Salt Mine plus mapping and ticking those attractions we covered, we noticed that there is thing called Graduation Tower which we were curious of. We obediently head to the tower direction, while looking for any place interesting for us to look-see look-see or perhaps drop in and get some souvenirs. There was almost none. Sigh….

It was pretty easy actually, as we got down from the train and cross the main street (a rather small street), within 50m or so, you’ll notice an Information   Booth/Counter, just go right in and get a map, they will be able to point you the right direction to whether you should start your walking excursion. Yup! You practically can walk to most of the attractions.

#TravelTips 2 : Depart as early as possible as the queue can be super long.
#TravelTips 3 : Where a proper walking shoe and bring a bottle of water


Our first point of interest was the Salt Mine, of which we later head to the Graduation Tower, here, we decided to stay abit longer due to the health benefit…gitew.  It is one of the most interesting structure I’ve seen and coupled with the health benefits, I guess I am more impress with how the Polish able to combine this 2 element and build this tower.




Graduation Tower

Also called a Thorn House, the graduation tower wall is made of bundles of brushwood/blackthorn against a wooden wall-like frame. You will see salt water dripping on the brushwood from the top and partly evaporates; it is said that some of the minerals from the solution are left behind on the brushwood twigs. This mineral-rich water droplets are regarded as having beneficial health effects similar to breathing in sea air. Hence, it is often visited for health reason.



Who and why should visit the graduation tower?
Inhalations at the graduation tower are recommended for persons suffering from recurring and chronic ailments of the respiratory system. Thus patients with rhinitis, sinusitis, laryngitis and during the period of post-therapy of acute infections of the respiratory system will feel a relief. The brine aerosol also helps patients to remove mucus during such ailments as, for instance, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchial asthma.

The benefits of inhalations at a graduation tower are well known. The salutary effects can be observed especially with patients suffering respiratory system disorders. Inhalations at a graduation tower have a positive impact on the mucous membrane of our nose, throat, sinuses, trachea and larynx, confirms doctor Magdalena Paciorek, Assistant Health Treatment Consultant at the “Wieliczka” Salt Mine Health Resort. The microclimate of the area surrounding the graduation tower is also serves as a preventive measure for healthy persons cleansing their respiratory tract and improving their body defence system. This allows to protect oneself, at least to a certain extent, from recurring infections.

The best treatment effects can be achieved while standing not closer than 30 meters from the tower while the recommended duration of a single visit is 15 to 30 minutes, twice a day. It is also recommended to have a brisk walk after the visit to the graduation tower or take a stroll along the park avenues. You can also enter the roofed platforms or the tower from which you can admire the magnificent view of the surroundings. But, if you just want to relax and take a deep and healthy breath in the area of the graduation tower there are plenty of benches to sit on in the area.





#TravelTips 4 : The brushwood twigs are usually changed every 5-10 years.
#TravelTips 5 : Prepare to spend longer time at the Graduation Tower.

The place is rather scenic I must say, in fact I think the whole town is scenic, quaint and full of history. I fell in love with it immediately.

#TravelTips 6 : For those whom love to take ‘creative’ memorable photography, bring your graduation robe and take a picture here J *wink*.


Oh! This ain’t over yet for Wieliczka town, I have more to share in my next entry. Stay tune.







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